By Dr. LeNaya Hezel, Chief Programs Officer at Warrior-Scholar Project
Going to college can be an important step toward transitioning to civilian life and securing a fulfilling career after serving in the military. But navigating the higher education landscape and finding the right fit can be daunting. Choosing a school that matches your interests is one thing, but what if you’re also looking for support as a nontraditional student and seeking other veterans who have been in your shoes? Understanding what to look for and what questions to ask can make all the difference in long-term success.
In my work with nonprofit Warrior-Scholar Project, we’ve helped thousands of veterans successfully prepare for college and navigate the transition to the classroom. Here’s a practical breakdown of how to find a school with the support you need as a military-connected student.
Veteran-Inclusive College
You’ll often hear schools boast about being “military-friendly,” but that term is too often used as a marketing label rather than a true measure of support. A better lens might be: Is this college veteran-inclusive?
Being veteran-inclusive isn’t just about the number of military-connected students on campus or targeted recruitment materials. It’s about ongoing support. This includes whether the institution:
- Employs dedicated staff trained to support service members and veterans.
- Cultivates a variety of support services and programs to acclimate to campus.
- Offers tailored orientation and onboarding experiences.
- Supports students throughout their time on campus, not just during recruitment.
At the most supportive institutions, veteran services go beyond compliance checklists—they’re about real integration into academic and social life on campus. Truly veteran-inclusive schools create community and support systems to help veterans bridge the gap from military to academic culture.
Finding the Right Fit
Choosing a college shouldn’t be about prestige—it’s about fit. As a prospective student, take time to explore whether the school you’re interested in feels like an environment where you can learn and grow. Start by having conversations with people who can give you a 360-degree view of what it would be like to attend that institution.
- Talk to a real person. Can you easily reach someone who understands the unique needs of student veterans? This may be a dedicated representative serving military-connected students, an admissions counselor or staff in student affairs. If the school has trouble answering basic questions—like how GI Bill benefits apply or how transfer credits work—that might be a red flag.
- Ask about the application process. Some schools waive standardized test requirements for veterans. Others have special considerations for military-connected students. Know what’s required before you start filling out forms.
- Speak with current student veterans. Reach out to student veteran organizations or ask the admissions office to introduce you to military-connected students. These peers offer the most honest insights about campus culture, resources and what it’s like to transition there.
- Schedule faculty conversations. If you have a major in mind, talk with a professor or academic advisor. These are the folks that you’ll ultimately be spending a lot of time with, so scheduling one-on-one time can help you assess whether the program is right for you academically.
On-Campus Support
Not all students will use a Veterans Resource Center, but some need military-specific services and connections with other veterans. Here’s a breakdown of common support models:
- Comprehensive Veterans Resource Centers
These include dedicated staff, peer mentoring, programming and study space specifically for military-connected students. They often host veteran-specific orientation programs and career development services. - Administrative Office Support
Institutions eligible to receive GI Bill funding are required to employ a School Certifying Official to certify enrollment for benefits and answer benefit-related questions. However, their offices are typically limited to administrative functions and may limit community programming for veterans. - Integrated Programming Across Campus
Some colleges embed veteran support within broader student services. This may mean working closely with career services, other student organizations or academic advising. While there may not be a physical Veterans Resource Center, support still exists—it’s an ecosystem of resources.
Regardless of format, the most effective programs gradually encourage integration. They start with tailored support but also guide veterans into broader academic and social life on campus, helping them connect with civilian students, faculty and career resources as they progress through their academic programs.
Pre-Application Steps
Before applying, there are key steps every veteran should take to ensure they’re making an informed decision about where to attend college:
- Request your Certificate of Eligibility
Start by applying for your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This letter determines your GI Bill benefit eligibility, including the percentage of tuition covered and the length of time you’re eligible to receive education benefits. - Explore all available benefits
Beyond the Post-9/11 GI Bill, some veterans may qualify for the Veteran Readiness and Employment Program (Chapter 31). This benefit is tied to service-connected disabilities and includes career counseling. It’s not solely an education benefit, but it may cover tuition and related costs. - Clarify tuition and costs
Schools are legally required to provide a breakdown of tuition and fees. Ask about what’s covered by your VA benefits and whether additional costs—like books or housing—are included. - Ask about scholarships and financial aid
Even with GI Bill benefits, you may qualify for institutional aid or outside scholarships. Ask how those work in conjunction with your VA benefits so you understand any out-of-pocket obligations. - Review credit transfer policies
Many veterans have taken courses while on active duty. Ask how your existing credits will transfer and weigh the pros and cons of applying them. For example, some veterans may have enough credits to enroll as a third-year undergraduate student, which can make jumping into upper-level coursework appealing. However, it might be worthwhile to consider starting fresh with foundational courses to rebuild academic habits, especially if you’ve been out of the classroom for a while.
Final Thoughts
Higher education can be a powerful next chapter in your military-to-civilian journey—but only if you’re equipped with the right knowledge and resources. Ask questions, do your homework and choose a school that continues to support you long after you’ve been accepted.
Your military service was about purpose. Let your education be too.
Dr. LeNaya Hezel is the chief programs officer at Warrior-Scholar Project, a nonprofit whose mission is to ensure that every degree-seeking enlisted veteran succeeds in their pursuit of higher education.
Read more articles for the Veteran Community here.
